Advocates have long fought for equity in arts learning, making the case for arts as core and not “special” curriculum. These cries were heard when the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) gave states the opportunity to expand student access to quality instruction in the visual and performing arts. This issue of the State Education Standard gives state policymakers good reasons to pay attention to the depth and breadth of instruction their schools offer in music, drama, theater, dance, and media arts—all key components of students’ well-rounded education.
The Art of Early Childhood Education
By Eleanor D. BrownArts integration shows promise for school readiness, emotion regulation, and stress reduction in the youngest, most vulnerable students.
How Arts Education Supports Social-Emotional Development: A Theory of Action
By Camille Farrington and Steve ShewfeltInstructional practices rooted in action and reflection could transform how all disciplines build students' competencies.
Advancing Arts Education in Arizona
By Catherine "Rusty" FoleyArizona leverages partnerships, ESSA funding, and a diploma seal to bolster equitable access to arts learning.
Arts in Turnaround Strategies
By Valerie NorvilleA+ Schools and Turnaround Arts schools commit to a model of school improvement.
Using Arts Data to Match Community Organizations to School Needs
By Valerie NorvilleSix communities follow Chicago's lead in developing arts education census data and maps.
Using ESSA to Leverage Arts Education Policy
By Lynn TuttleSeveral states are using ESSA to increase access and quality in arts instruction.
The ESSA Arts Indicator in Illinois: A Study in the Art of Policymaking
By Jonathan VanderBrugArts educators bring creativity and process expertise to their work on statewide accountability.
The Role of Arts Integration and Education in Improving Student Outcomes
By Andrea Boyle, Jim Lindsay, Meredith Ludwig and Yinmei WanIf research is to inform state policy, important gaps in research should be filled.
Expanding Access to High-Quality Arts Instruction
By Mary Dell'ErbaAdvancing research and innovative policies can move states toward universal access to a quality arts education.
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